A leading police figure has opened up about the struggles of dealing with hate and 'vile' comments as a woman working in public service. Nottinghamshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Caroline Henry has talked about the moments when she found it difficult to face the negativity on social media.
She took up the role officially on May 13, 2021, and is due to serve until 2024. She described herself as a 'political woman' as she shared the downside of the role in an interview with Nottinghamshire Live.
She said: "I am quite sensitive. I struggled at first. People can sit and think they can say many things behind their keyboards."
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"I get a lot of hate because I am a political woman. I am a politician.
"People are vile to me on social media. But I just know I have a job to do."
Despite this, she believes more women should work in public service. She explained why, with no hesitation: "Women are much better at doing this job.
"We need more women working in the public service. We do not faff around. We get the work done."
Last May, Conservative PCC Henry - who had pledged to crack down on speeding - was given a six-month driving ban after being caught breaking the limit five times in 12 weeks. She broke a 30mph limit in four locations in Nottinghamshire between March and June 2021.
She admitted the offences at Nottingham Magistrates' Court. The police boss said she was 'ashamed, embarrassed and sorry'.
When times got hard, PCC Henry said she reminded herself 'I have a job to do'. In some instances, she said people come forward to tell her that she is an 'inspiration'.
She said that reducing violence against women and girls is one of her priorities in her role. Nottinghamshire Live has previously reported that the force has secured funding which will go towards making women feel safer at night.
Looking forward to 2023, PCC Henry said she wants to work close with communities across Nottinghamshire. She also said: "I care about the young people.
"I think it is also important to get them to realise what a healthy relationship is. I think it is important to get these people to understand these things when they are young. I am not only talking about sexual relationships, but friendships as well."
She added: "Building that trust between communities and the police is very important to me." PCC Henry said she has created her rule of the 'five Ts' - trust, team, together, tomorrow and transparency.
PCC Henry talked about her plans for tackling crime in Nottinghamshire before meeting members of the community during Walkabout Wednesdays, which are held once a month in various towns across the county. Speaking to Nottinghamshire Live during her first public appearance with the new Chief Constable Kate Meynell, she added: "Today is all about trust.
"We are out today speaking to communities who have the opportunity to meet the new Chief Constable. We want to make sure that Nottingham is a safe city, and it is also known for being a safe city."
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